Nowadays, there are numerous cases of autism. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 68 children in the US is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD includes several conditions diagnosed separately until recently but are now under one umbrella.
There is no definitive cure for autism, and specialists don’t know the exact cause of autism. An early diagnosis means that you can try to manage symptoms and behaviors that are common with ASD. This way, autistic children will live a fulfilling life without much assistance.
However, since autism spectrum disorder is such a broad spectrum, no one child experiences the symptoms the same way. That’s why therapists and parents work together to discover the best treatment plan for their children.
One strategy that can help is a massage. But how can it benefit individuals with autism? Discover the answer in this article.
About Autism
Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder, which means that there is a broad spectrum of behaviors, including repetitive behaviors, challenges with social interactions, and speech difficulties. A common symptom among individuals with autism is sensory sensitivity to hearing, vision, smell, taste, and touch.
Some children with autism have an aversion to touch. The common belief that kids with autism do not like to be touched is false. It’s interesting to see that many massage therapists find great success in massage therapy despite the reported aversion of children with autism.
However, if your child doesn’t like to be touched, then it’s essential to respect their boundaries. Don’t force things your child doesn’t enjoy, such as eye contact or physical contact.
Massages and Autism
Massage therapy can lessen the intensity of sensitivity to all senses, not just to touch. Through the use of massage therapy, a child’s basic need for safe, nurturing contact is met. After all, despite the aversion, all children require nurturing touch to thrive.
A pediatric massage provides a positive experience of being touched and many lifelong benefits. Massages provide the proprioceptive input that can help regulate a child’s sensory system. It’s a non-verbal way to promote connection and bonding.
Even if your child dislikes it at first, with gentle perseverance, it is possible to massage a reluctant child. Some children might like to be touched with a brush or a roller; it’s best to test and explore methods until you find your child's preferred strategy.
Massage can also be a great way to slow down the nervous system before sleep. Since children like familiar and predictable activities, it's best to include massage in a daily routine.
What Are the Benefits?
Develops a Bond
Massages offer the chance for connection and bonding. The gentle touch is a non-verbal way to communicate tenderness and care and build a connection between the caregiver and child. In addition, it promotes a secure attachment and helps release the feel-good hormones that make your child feel cherished and loved.
Warms Up the Body
Massages can help warm up their muscles and bodies. Furthermore, it improves coordination and movement skills as the child’s body awareness grows.
Reduce Sensitivities
If tolerated, massages can desensitize the skin. Sometimes, children like a firm touch rather than a gentle one, while oil can make the massage more comfortable. You can try one of these items:
- Large sensory massage ball
- Massage ring wrists
- Spiky sensory rings
- Shampoo scalp brush
- Massage mat
- Facial massager
Calms and Regulates
A massage helps regulate the nervous system. For children with lots of energy, a massage can be calming. It also encourages stillness and helps with concentration. Working on a single limb is helpful even if an active child cannot remain still for an entire body massage.
Heightens Physical Awareness
Communication is extremely important for a child with autism. Talk to them throughout the massage and tell them what you are doing. This way, you teach your child about their bodies and help heighten their awareness of what they are feeling. The loving touch will also build up your child’s self-esteem.
Symptoms Which Massage Therapy Can Alleviate
Anxiety
96% of people with autism have a degree of sensitivity to sensory stimuli. Hypersensitivity to tactile sensations can cause touch aversion, leading to complications such as high blood pressure, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal problems. Touch aversion is more often caused by anxiety.
Continue to Read: Anxiety Management in Children with Autism.
When humans engage in skin-to-skin contact, the brain releases the “feel good” chemical called oxytocin. Oxytocin decreases anxiety and encourages social bonding.
Social Isolation
Touch aversion is a contribution to social awkwardness. People with autism find social situations overwhelming, which leads to a lack of confidence, trouble reading social cues, and even bullying.
Massage therapists are trained listeners, and the child can form a bond with the therapist. The massage room is a safe place for the child to let go of pent-up emotions.
Sleep Disturbances
Trouble sleeping is a common issue in children with ASD, almost 80%. Some contributing factors to sleep disturbances include sensitivity to touch, light, and sound, as well as ADHD, depression, or anxiety.
Poor sleep worsens symptoms of autism, such as hyperactivity, difficulty paying attention, repetitive behaviors, or impaired social skills. Massage therapy promotes healthy sleep by helping release serotonin. In addition, it helps the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
Different Types of Massages
Deep Pressure Massage
This type of massage is very popular among children and adults with autism. A deep pressure massage involves firm and long strokes with flat palms and fingers. You can also use hugs or squeezes to achieve the deep pressure your child craves.
Placing a hand on your child's shoulders can work for children who don't like hugs or squeezes.
Read: What Are the Best Weighted Blanket Brands?
Qigong Massage
It's an ancient form of traditional Chinese medicine that suits children with sensory problems. It consists of patting and pressing movements with a cupped hand over clothes. The Qigong massage takes 15 minutes to complete, opening blocked channels and improving circulation.
Story Massage
This technique is a good bonding experience. Telling a story while combining the movements of massages help children relax, increases concentration, improves tolerance to touch, and improves the ability to connect socially.
Indian Head Massage
Many parents say that an Indian head massage helps with anxiety and building confidence. This type of massage focuses on the upper back, neck, and head—and helps with sleep and keeping calm.
Hand or Foot Massage
You can give your autistic child a simple hand or foot massage. Lots of parents say that it helps children sleep and relax. Furthermore, a child can learn to give themselves hand massages, thus getting the ability to self-soothe.
How to Give a Massage
Massages can be wonderful experiences, especially if you enhance them with other sensory elements. You can do the massage in a darkened room, put some colorful lights or projections on the ceiling, make use of essential oils for their pleasurable scents, or put on some ambient and calming music.
While the prospect of giving your autistic child a massage sounds daunting, it doesn’t have to be challenging.
Here are some methods you can use to give your child a massage:
In Conclusion
Like any type of therapy, massage therapy does not work for everyone.
The smells of the cream and oils, being sensitive to touch, and the inability to see what's happening might be too much for your child. If you choose to give it a go, remember to explain what you are doing to your child and ensure they know how to tell you to change the pressure or speed.
Here are some helpful tips for your child’s first therapeutic massage:
- Familiarize your child with different massage ways. It’s a good idea to show your child what to expect from the massage session.
- Know your child’s limits. If any aspects make your child uncomfortable, tell the massage therapist.
- Bring moral support. If your child feels more relaxed with a friend or family member nearby, then you can have someone during the massage session.